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"They soothed my internal wounds and built up my self-esteem, which I had none of in the past." -Domestic violence survivor, translated from Korean

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A Survivor's Journey

Written by Admin

A Survivor's Journey

Before I came to live at the shelter, I had a serious psychiatric problem. I couldn’t sleep at night and felt a lot of anxiety during the day. My mind sometimes imagined things, and I was afraid of men. Often times I cried alone and even contemplated suicide.

OnSeptember 15, 2004 I moved into the shelter. Upon arrival, Jennifer and Ivy warmly welcomed me. They explained to me the rules of the shelter, and how I should learn to live independently at the shelter. When I came to the United States, I depended totally on my husband. So at the shelter, I didn’t know how to do anything. APWC’s director Chun-Yen Chen, Jennifer and other staff were very warm to me and took care of me. They provided me with all the necessary household items. They were patient in helping me even with the smallest details. They showed me how to take the bus, where to shop for food at discount markets, located school where I can learn English, referred me for psychiatric treatment, and helped me apply for a social security card. In all, they did so many things for me. This is how I started to live at the shelter.

Now in every aspect, mentally, physically, living, and learning, I slowly begin to feel like a normal person. This is all due to the help I have received from the APWC staff. I am deeply grateful to them.

I appreciate the help that the family advocates and APWC have given me. At the shelter, I like the other residents that also live here. I like waking up every morning and looking at the sun and signing in when I go home at night. I like the free and secure life that I have here. I enjoy all the APWC activities, like talking to Jennifer, house meetings, art classes, birthday parties, and holiday meals. I love living at the shelter. I love APWC.